Two people have been sentenced following a disturbing animal cruelty investigation in the City of Geneva.
According to the Ontario County District Attorney’s Office, Brian Hess and RoseMarie Bruno-Hess pleaded guilty to felony aggravated cruelty to animals. Both were sentenced to five years of probation, ordered to pay $1,240 in restitution, and waived their right to appeal.
The charges stemmed from an October 2025 investigation after the Ontario County Humane Society received a complaint about multiple dogs living in unsafe conditions at a home on Avenue B.
When investigators arrived on October 2, they found eight dogs inside a camper filled with feces and lacking adequate food and water. Authorities said the ammonia levels were so strong that specialized equipment was needed to enter.
Inside the home, investigators reported dog feces covering both floors and 10 additional dogs with limited access to food and water. Officials also discovered eight dead animals inside a freezer in the kitchen.
All 18 dogs—described as terrier-type breeds—were removed and taken to a shelter for evaluation. Authorities said the animals were flea-infested, suffering from hair loss, and many were severely underweight. Two of the dogs later died despite receiving emergency care.
